CCM Lighting Design student shines bright

UC College-Conservatory of Music Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design & Technology student Rachael Blackwell is the first CCM student to receive an internship through Hemsley Lighting Programs, Inc.’s Annual Hemsley Internship Program. After her graduation this spring, Blackwell will work with one or more top-tier professional arts organizations, including the likes of New York City Ballet, San Francisco Opera and Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre. Blackwell expects to collaborate with lighting designer Paul Miller at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, if all goes as planned.

“Each show is memorable to me for different reasons, but I'd have to say the dance shows were my favorite," Blackwell says. "Because I can't dance, I've always had a special admiration and respect for those who can, so designing for dance is always fun for me! That being said, it was really nice to be able to design a year of opera, a year of dance and end with a straight play. I think being able to study a few different avenues of lighting in depth really helped me understand the mechanics and formula of designing for each."

Before coming to CCM, Blackwell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in technical theatre from Alabama State University. She has worked with the Cincinnati Ballet, Yale Repertory Theatre, Alley Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Montgomery Ballet, among others. After graduation, Blackwell plans to do freelance lighting design work and travel the world with touring productions.

Hemsley Lighting Programs, Inc. was originally established in 1983 as the Gilbert V. Hemsley, Jr. Internship in Lighting in honor of this unique and much beloved man. He was responsible for the launching of so many careers in theater that when the idea for the internship was suggested, the outpouring of both good will and financial support created the framework upon which the program was formed and has been sustained. The internship has provided a singular opportunity for one very fortunate student every year since 1984 and it has continued to steadily expand. Initially, it provided an opportunity for a graduating lighting student to participate in a six-month program centered on the intense repertory lighting work of the New York City Opera. Currently, the internship has grown into a nine-month program adding the winter season of New York City Ballet and full participation in the Lincoln Center Festival. In 2004, a first-ever national portfolio review for graduating lighting students was added to the internship’s ongoing initiatives and in recognition of the organization’s expanding scope, the corporation was renamed Hemsley Lighting Programs. The new portfolio review has allowed graduate work to be seen and evaluated by some of the foremost lighting, scenic and costume designers, theater directors and choreographers currently working in the business, with the goal of providing well-rounded feedback and helping to bridge the often intimidating divide between the educational and professional worlds.

Story by CCM Graduate Student Alexandra Doyle

Featured image at the top: Rachael Blackwell. Photo/Provided